02 Dec, 2009
Solving Problems (computers, math, and more!)
As an IT guy, I get a lot of questions from frustrated computer users: co-workers, friends, family, even complete strangers. Sometimes I know the answer off the top of my head, but more often I do a quick Google search to find the answer. I can usually find the answer in less than five minutes. I often wonder how hard (if at all) the person asking the question tried to find the answer on his/her own. Don’t get me wrong: I enjoy answering questions – it’s part of my job – but I would rather help others learn how to find answers on their own.
Getting help with your computer
Today I came across a blog post at the WorkAwesome website titled “How to get IT to Solve Your Problem” that said a lot of what I’ve been thinking lately. Here are some highlights:
But you need to write down all the details of what you were doing while it is still fresh. Someone is going to ask these things. While you’re at it, write down what programs you’re running. No, just don’t say word processing. Get specific. Are you using Word? What browser are you running?
Don’t just note what program (Word, Excel, Firefox, Safari, etc.), but what version of that program. Mac users can usually find the version in the application menu. For example: Firefox–>About Mozilla Firefox will tell you what version of Firefox you’re using. Windows users can usually find the version in the help menu. For example: Help–>About Mozilla Firefox.
It’s also helpful to note what operating system (and version) you’re using. For example, are you using Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7? Or, are you using Mac OS 10.5, 10.6, etc.?
Hey, is everything plugged in correctly? Are all your cables securely connected? Is it possible to restart the computer?
Try all the easy fixes. Note everything you’re doing. It can help someone help you.
If you’re having an actual problem (as opposed to just wondering how to do something) always try these fixes first, especially restarting the computer. I’m going to have you do it anyway, so you might as well give it a shot before calling/emailing me.
If you have any kind of access, try the Internet. Enter some keywords like “[stupid program]freezing multiple documents open.” See if there is anything about your problem. It’s really unlikely that you’re the first to discover this glitch.
This is how I find answers to most tech questions, so I know it works. If you don’t find what you’re looking for on the first try, you’ll want to re-word your search and try again. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, then it’s time to call in the big guns – ask the IT person.
If you need help with searching, check out the “Google search basics: Basic search help” page.
Solving math problems on the computer
I debated making this a separate post, but laziness won the battle. I saw a post today about using the Wolfram|Alpha “computational knowledge engine” to solve complex math problems. The post, on the WolframAlpha Blog is titled “Step-by-Step Math“.
Have you ever given up working on a math problem because you couldn’t figure out the next step? Wolfram|Alpha can guide you step by step through the process of solving many mathematical problems, from solving a simple quadratic equation to taking the integral of a complex function.
When trying to find the roots of 3×2+x–7=4x, Wolfram|Alpha can break down the steps for you if you click the “Show steps” button in the Result pod.
Here’s a screenshot:
Other types of problems
The steps used to solve computer problems can be applied to just about anything. Having problems getting your DVR to record only new episodes of your favorite program? Try to figure out what model number you have, then get on the Internet and see if you can find the answer. You’ll be surprised how much information you can find by doing a simple search.
No related posts.